Sky’s the limit, says Jetstar after record

JETSTAR’S Avalon love affair has hit new heights — the budget airline has revealed it is considering introducing international flights.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive Dean Salter made the revelations yesterday, after declaring the airline would carry a record 780,000 passengers through Avalon Airport this year.

Mr Salter revealed the milestone at the Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Corporate Partner luncheon, before telling the Geelong Advertiser that international flights were a possibility once demand for them increased.

“We’re looking at international destinations,” Mr Salter said. “But so far the demand hasn’t been sufficient enough to fly a dedicated service at this point.

“We remain open to the prospect.

“Ideally it would be great to see it at some stage at Avalon, but we haven’t got any plans yet.”

Mr Salter said Jetstar would also look to increase the frequency of domestic flights out of Avalon — including those to its most popular destination, Sydney. Jetstar’s milestone of 780,000 passengers through Avalon was a 56 per cent increase over the past two years, partly driven by budget airfares.

“Low fares travel on Jetstar continues to drive more tourists to the region and provides an opportunity for locals wanting to visit other parts of Australia,” Mr Salter said.

“More than a quarter of a million additional travellers are flying to and from Avalon Airport this year compared to two years ago, which is great for the local economy.

“Avalon Airport is the gateway for many people wanting to enjoy some of the great attractions in the area, such as the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles.”

Jetstar operates 97 weekly flights in and out of Avalon Airport to the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Sydney and Hobart.

The carrier first launched flights from Avalon in 2004, and in 2015 signed a 10-year agreement with the Victorian Government and Linfox Group to secure the long-term future of air services to the region.

Jetstar employs about 50 staff at Avalon Airport.